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How America reacts when an enemy attacks

In the wee hours of June 12, a horrific attack took place in Florida. As most of us woke up that Sunday morning, we learned of the violence that occurred in a popular Orlando nightclub that left 49 victims dead and 53 more wounded.

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How America reacts when an enemy attacks

In the wee hours of June 12, a horrific attack took place in Florida. As most of us woke up that Sunday morning, we learned of the violence that occurred in a popular Orlando nightclub that left 49 victims dead and 53 more wounded.

There was one gunman with a semi-automatic pistol and an assault-style rifle. It took place at a crowded gay bar close to closing time. Those who tried to hide in bathrooms texted heartbreaking messages to loved ones—some their final words.

What a terrible, sickening feeling to imagine their suffering and the unbearable grief their loved ones would be facing.

It was reported, but not confirmed, that the gunman was from Afghanistan and known to the FBI. That didn’t stop some in the news media from jumping to the conclusion that this was a terrorist act. The signs were pointing in that direction but the facts weren’t all in.

The danger is the claim of a terrorist attack invites finger pointing and heated exchanges between political camps and parties that cause greater division, anger and fear.

Worse than the premature declaration of terrorism was the political forecasting on the Sunday morning political programs of how this event would affect the presidential race. One pundit predicted it would help Donald Trump because he got a boost in the polls after the terrorist attack in Paris.

How could anyone in good conscience discuss the political ramifications resulting from such a heinous attack while the aftermath of the violence was still unfolding?

Since then the news media has done a better job of reporting on the victims, the investigation and the community rallying in unity to support the grieving friends and family and those recovering. There were many acts of kindness that helped restore my faith in the goodness of people at a time when we witnessed such evil.

Politicians were expected to weigh in. Many did so responsibly with a measured tone and a call for unity. Others shamefully politicized the tragedy by ramping up divisive rhetoric, ratcheting up the fear, taking credit for predicting a terrorist attack and criticizing current efforts to fight terrorism.

Was it a terrorist act? We still don’t know.

The man responsible for this carnage was killed in a shootout with police. He wasn’t here illegally nor was he an immigrant. He was an American citizen, born in Queens to parents of Afghan descent. He was 29, twice married with a 3-year-old son and worked as a security guard.

He was investigated by the FBI for possible terrorist ties but the investigation was closed. He was licensed to carry a gun and legally purchased the guns used in the attack.

During his three-hour reign of terror, he called 911 while holding hostages and claimed allegiance to Islamic terrorists, but so far there is no direct link to a terrorist group.

His father told investigators that he was angered over seeing two men kissing in front of his young son. He wanted police to believe he was committing a terrorist attack but he chose a gay bar and specifically targeted the LGBT community. It looked more like a hate crime.

It could be both.

We think of a terrorist attack as one directed by an organized group like ISIL. But a lone-wolf actor could be inspired and become self-radicalized—usually through the Internet.

While there is no evidence to indicate that he was directed to carry out the attack, there is an electronic trail showing he researched terrorist groups. But that’s not all his Internet footprint shows.

He visited gay dating sites and made contact on them. Despite living over a hundred miles away, he was seen at Pulse on numerous occasions prior to his shooting spree there—adding further confusion to his motive.

Regardless of the legal determination of the type of crime, the outcome remains the same—at least 49 innocent people were brutally murdered and 53 more wounded by one hate-filled man determined to cause terror.

Paula Dockery is a syndicated columnist who served in the Florida Legislature for 16 years as a Republican from Lakeland. She can be reached at PBDockery@gmail.com.